Top 10 Biggest Forests in India

To an outsider, India might seem overwhelmingly busy, with little room for forests and wildlife. However, this perception couldn’t be further from the truth. India boasts numerous forests and national parks teeming with diverse wildlife, landscapes, and vegetation that can both amaze and enchant you. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 10 largest forests in India as of 2024. Let’s dive right into it!

Sundarbans – 10,277 km²

The Sundarbans, covering a vast 10,277 km², is India’s largest forest. This UNESCO World Heritage Site lies where the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers meet before flowing into the Bay of Bengal. The Sundarbans are not only a biodiversity hotspot but also act as a natural barrier against cyclones and tsunamis, protecting millions of coastal residents. It’s famous for the Royal Bengal Tigers, uniquely adapted to this watery landscape of tidal channels and mudflats.

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve – 5,520 km²

Spanning 5,520 km² across the Western Ghats, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve stretches into Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. Named after the ‘blue mountains’ due to the purplish-blue blossoms of the Strobilanthes Kunthiana, which bloom once every twelve years, this reserve includes national parks and sanctuaries like Mudumalai, Bandipur, Nagarhole, and Mukurthi. It is home to tigers, Asian elephants, and the Nilgiri tahr.

Namdapha National Park – 1,985.23 km²

Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh covers 1,985.23 km² and is one of the most biodiverse regions in the Eastern Himalayas. Its elevation ranges from 200 m to over 4,500 m, featuring habitats from tropical rainforests to alpine forests. It is unique for hosting four big cat species: tigers, leopards, snow leopards, and clouded leopards. Rare species like the red panda and the Namdapha flying squirrel also call this park home.

Gir National Park – 1,410.30 km²

Located in Gujarat, Gir National Park spans 1,410.30 km² and is the last refuge of the Asiatic lion. Thanks to rigorous conservation efforts, the lion population has rebounded to around 650 individuals. Gir’s dry deciduous forests, interspersed with scrub and grasslands, also support leopards, hyenas, and chital. The park’s teak forests and rich birdlife make it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Jim Corbett National Park – 1,318 km²

Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand covers 1,318 km² and is India’s oldest national park, established in 1936. It was created to protect the endangered Bengal tiger, playing a key role in the launch of Project Tiger in 1973. The park’s varied terrain, including hills, riverine belts, and grasslands, supports diverse ecosystems and vegetation types.

Kanha National Park (Kanha Tiger Reserve) – 940 km²

Kanha National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh, spans 940 km². It is a crucial area for the conservation of Bengal tigers. Since its establishment in 1955 and its designation as a Tiger Reserve in 1973, Kanha has been renowned for its dense sal forests, lush bamboo groves, and vast grasslands. The park is also home to the endangered barasingha, thanks to successful conservation efforts. Bird watchers will find plenty to admire, from the crested serpent eagle to the Indian roller.

Bandipur National Park – 868.63 km²

Situated in Karnataka within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Bandipur National Park covers 868.63 km². At the junction of the Western Ghats and the Deccan Plateau, Bandipur’s mixed dry and moist deciduous forests are a haven for wildlife. It was one of the first areas selected for Project Tiger, and today hosts Indian elephants, gaurs, dholes, and over 200 bird species, including the endangered Indian vulture.

Saranda Forest – 820 km²

Saranda Forest, located in Jharkhand, spans 820 km² and is renowned as Asia’s largest sal forest. Rich in biodiversity, Saranda is vital for the livelihoods of local communities and is also rich in iron ore, creating tension between conservation and industrial interests. The forest is home to elephants, leopards, and numerous bird species, underscoring the need for balanced conservation strategies.

Mawphlang Sacred Grove – 302 km²

The Mawphlang Sacred Grove in Meghalaya covers about 302 km² and is a remarkable example of traditional conservation by the Khasi tribes. Regarded as sacred, this untouched forest thrives with medicinal plants and rare species, preserved through the Khasi’s cultural practices.

Pichavaram Forest – 110 km²

Located near the coast of Tamil Nadu, Pichavaram Forest spans 110 km² and is one of India’s most vital mangrove ecosystems. The mangroves provide habitat for numerous fish, birds, and marine life, forming natural defenses against cyclones and tsunamis, and helping to prevent coastal erosion.

Conclusion

While this list highlights some of India’s largest and most notable forests, there are countless other parks and forests across the country to explore. If you’re curious, there’s a whole world of natural wonders waiting to be discovered in India’s rich and diverse landscapes.